Acquired I/O that was Improperly Winterized - Help!

[JWboing]

I just aquired a 1986 Four Winns Santara, 260hp Chevy 350. The guy did not winterize it last fall, we are in Missouri so i know something would have froze up. I know the gas needs to be drained, and maybe i can get the gas out of the carburetor. What octaine should i use. Other than that, where do i start!!!<br /><br />Can i just refresh the fuel put the ears on it for water and see if i can get it running? If something froze, is the damage already done and i won't make it worse? ANY help is greatly appreciated.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Acquired I/O that was Improperly Winterized - Help!

The biggest concern would be if the engine block cracked. The only way to know for sure is to try starting it on the muffs. Getting fresh gas to the carb would be a good idea, just in-case the block is not cracked. While you can never go wrong with premium gas, standard grade is fine.

 

[JWboing]

Re: Acquired I/O that was Improperly Winterized - Help!

Am i correct in thinking that as long as there wasn't any water in the gear lube in the lower end, that the lower end and mid section will be fine? Resulting in my only problem being with the engine itself? If it is an engine problem what am i looking at as possibilities, blown freeze plugs, creacked block, cracked water pump and or cracked heads? Thanks for your great help.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Acquired I/O that was Improperly Winterized - Help!

I would put 5 gals of fresh gas and hook up the hose and crank it up and see where it leaks from before spending any money on it.Take a check on the oil before and after running to see any difference.Cracked block amd manifolds are almost certain.Charlie

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Acquired I/O that was Improperly Winterized - Help!

I froze my 5.0L a couple of years ago and the damage was very obviuos after starting the engine. The lower engine water pump hose split, the Chevy small block almost always cracks (outward bulge) just behind the motor mounts (near the block drain valves) and the exhaust manifolds cracked all along the top. The power steering fluid cooler was ruptured and the water line feeding water from the lower unit to the transom assembly was popped off at the hose clamp. I was able to find some one to weld the water jackets in the block (there was no internal damage) and replace the rest of the stuff and was on the water in pretty short order. Be prepared for the cracks in the block water jackets though. When I did this everyone I spoke to told me Chevy small blocks always crack from freeze. By the way, no freeze plugs popped. Freeze plug is not the real purpose for the plugs and they are useless in protecting the block in case of freeze.

 

[JWboing]

Re: Acquired I/O that was Improperly Winterized - Help!

vatter, so,,,, sounds like all of your problems were visible. Even the cracks in the block were visible by the bulges. Was the welder able to repair this without removing the engine? From what you have told me about your situation, encourages me about mine. I will keep this thread posted as to what i find out. Any more tips from anyone greatly appreciated. It will be this weekend or maybe longer before i even get a chance to investigate further. Thanks So Much!

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Acquired I/O that was Improperly Winterized - Help!

Just trying to give you the places to look for damage. At first glance I thought every thing was OK. I didnt actually see any of the damage until I ran the engine. I put the boat in the water thinking all was OK after a breif visual and a very short run on the muffs to check the internals. Engine ran perfect. The half way across the lake my son noticed the water in the boat was above the floor boards. Opened the hood to find water coming from what seemed like evey where. Just start the engine and go from there. Even the split hose was not visible until the water was leaking out. By the way, I did have to pull the engine to get it welded. No big thing. Pulled it in a couple of hours. Nothing compared to a car.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Acquired I/O that was Improperly Winterized - Help!

By the way, the only difficulty pulling the engine was that the boat on a trailer was way to high for all of the available engine hoists (all designed for cars) Wound up using a chian hoist hung from a stout tree branch in the yard. Guess I am a true shade tree mechanic.

 

[JWboing]

Re: Acquired I/O that was Improperly Winterized - Help!

I should be getting the boat this weekend. If anyone else has any suggestions before i start it up please let me know. Thanks!

 

[Lou C]

Re: Acquired I/O that was Improperly Winterized - Help!

Back out of it if you can. Why are you choosing to buy something that may need a new long block to be reliable? Yes people have fixed cracks in cast iron and yes they may have held but do you want to put your life in that? Unless you are being GIVEN the boat, or better yet PAID to take it away from the guy who did not have a clue about how to winterize it, run run run!!!!!!

 

[JWboing]

Re: Acquired I/O that was Improperly Winterized - Help!

Well Lou, he isn't paying me to take it, but it is free. At least at this point. I will know more after i check it out as to whether i will put any money in it. Thanks